Praveen Dixit takes charge as Maharashtra DGP, lists priorities

Mumbai: New Maharashtra DGP Praveen Dixit today said increasing conviction rates in criminal cases, curbing corruption in police force and protecting the rights of women, Dalits, tribals and minorities were among his top priorities.

Praveen Dixit today took charge as Maharashtra DGP.

Also, a new concept of ‘Police-Friend’ will be started, in which police and public cooperation will be increased to eliminate crime from society, said Dixit, who took charge from Sanjeev Dayal, who retired today.

“Increasing conviction rates, protecting the rights of women, SCs/STs, senior citizens and minorities will be among the major tasks before me as the state police chief,” he said.

“I would also work towards eradicating corruption in the police department,” said the 1977-batch IPS officer who was Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) chief before becoming DGP.

Dixit took charge at around 1 pm after a ceremonial welcome by retiring DGP Dayal.

The senior IPS officer was appointed the State police chief last night by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio. A few other senior police officers were also reshuffled.

Dixit, a recipient of the President’s Police Medal, is scheduled to retire in November next year.

The charge of guard at the top came days after Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, who was supervising the Sheena Bora murder case, was promoted and transferred as Director General (Home Guards).

Maria had sought ACB chief’s post, police sources said.

However, senior officer Vijay Kamble got that post in last night’s reshuffle.